MARTIAL ART

The morning after our Kung Fu grading, the KB WhatsApp group lit up in the best possible way.

Kelly KB shared the traditional end-of-grading photo with everyone in a group, wearing or holding their new sashes. Kelly pointed out that Anna seemed to be wearing a particularly creative expression.

Anna didn’t miss a beat. “I was channelling Edvard Munch’s ‘The Scream’. Was it not obvious? Just trying to add a bit of culture to our Tuesdays.”

And just like that, the art gallery doors were open.

Comparisons began flying in. Kim decided James was clearly embodying Vermeer’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ with his side on look to the camera. Anna supplied a side-by-side of Ruth as ‘Old Woman Praying’. Although Ruth wasn’t entirely flattered at first (!), the comment was of course light-hearted and filled with affection. Anna quickly reassured her: “You’re a work of art, darling.”

Soon, Yas was being likened to a Botticelli masterpiece, Bess was compared to the Mona Lisa, Surbhi was reimagined as a young Queen Elizabeth II, and Zuzanna was presented as Joan of Arc – complete with dramatic flair in the comparison itself.

Ruth insisted the game continue, saying, “More art comparisons please! Most entertaining commute I’ve had in ages.”

Phoebe added: “We don’t need to go to the National Gallery with the real works of art brought to life here!”

A few hours later, James finally caught up on the messages and found it hilarious, saying “What has been going on in here this morning?!? So, I’ve entered my Dutch golden age era? I was so close styling the sash as a turban too. Missed opportunity. The beard prevents it from being a historically accurate museum piece though.”

And just like that, a mid-week morning turned into an impromptu art history lesson – KB style.

But beyond the laughter, there’s something deeper here. The world can feel heavy. Responsibilities pile up. News headlines can drain us before the day has even properly begun. To have a place where you can pause from all of that – where you can be a little silly, share a joke, laugh at yourself and with others – is more than just “nice.” It’s precious.

At KB, martial arts training is absolutely about discipline, technique, and growth. But it’s also about community. It’s about friendships that form through shared challenges. It’s about celebrating each other’s achievements – like grading day – and then teasing each other lovingly the morning after.

Our members come from different walks of life, different backgrounds, nationalities, professions and ages. What brings them together is martial arts. What keeps them together is respect, support and genuine care for one another.

Sometimes that looks like punching and kicking. Sometimes it looks like comparing your training partner to a Renaissance masterpiece!

Want to be part of our special community? Book a KB trial class and experience the KB spirit for yourself.